Talk about the oldest guys in the lawn manufacturing business, and you are definitely not omitting Simplicity Mowers. Simplicity starting manufacturing tractors and residential mowers far back in 1937. Today, Simplicity has one of the finest lineups of zero-turn and riding mowers in the lawn maintenance industry.
But is Simplicity excessively exploiting its fame? Are Simplicity mowers really good?
Combining innovation with premium features that stand the test of time, Simplicity mowers have solidified their position among the most adored lawnmowers. Very few mowers can boast the quality of cut attainable from Simplicity mowers. This manufacturer owns one of the most distinguished deck designs that the lawn maintenance space has ever seen. The likes of Simplicity Regent, Broadmoor, and Courier count among the top ten percentile of US-made mowers.
In this guide, I am going to educate you on Simplicity mowers extensively. We will dig beyond all the adulation this brand commands, authoritatively investigating the specific features, strengths, and downsides of the most popular mowers from this brand.
Hop on, let us go on this exciting ride together!
How Did Simplicity Mowers Get Up There?
While Simplicity started building mowers (specifically as walk-behind two-wheeled tractors) around 1937, they had actually been in operation much earlier. Initially founded by William J. Niederkorn in 1922 in much humbler settings in Wisconsin, Simplicity originally focused on engines.
After halts in production necessitated by WW2, Simplicity pivoted back to riding tractor production, building its first riding tractor model in 1957. This was called the Wonderboy.
Agreeably, much time has passed since then. But for a company to survive all the way from 1922 to 2021, they needed more than guts. They needed engineering excellence and an unrelenting commitment to user experience.
The good news is that Simplicity has lots of this as typified in the extensive lineup of fantastic lawn mowers it has rolled out recently. Weaving unique craftsmanship with an intense thirst for innovation, Simplicity Mowers have been consistently upping the rhythm, as we see their lawnmowers excel at justifying the investment.
Testimony of such distinction is seen in Simplicity models being among the best zero turn mowers and riding tractors you can get in the market in 2021.
Major Simplicity Features You Would Like
No, I am not unrealistically obsessed with Simplicity, it is the features that keep me stuck. I will tell you the major components I and thousands of other buyers fancy about Simplicity mowers.
Simplicity makes a statement with its suspension design
Have you ever suffered that bumping ride when mowing? I have been there severally – and regrettably – due to many mowers I have used having horror suspension systems.
It is gladdening that the Simplicity mowers I have used don’t feature among this mediocre bunch. Simplicity mowers come in a range of suspension mechanisms, with the zero-turn having three systems in this regard.
These are the Pivoting front axle, fully independent suspension, and the SCS.
More than enhanced cutting experience, the generality of Simplicity riding mowers are fitted with rear suspension or front and rear suspension to boost your comfort when using them.
Simplicity gives you a good measure of premium features
Mowers don’t come cheap, especially those with premium features. I admit I find Simplicity’s supply of premium features on relatively affordable models generous.
You can procure Simplicity models with features like power steering, electric height functionality, and even push-button start without emptying your bank account. Take the Regent, for example.
But what specifically do I really like about the makeup of Simplicity Zero Turn mowers and the riding counterpart?
What Makes Simplicity Zero Turn Interesting For Me?
I bet you, there is no way you are coming across a user of Simplicity zero turn who isn’t impressed with the deck design. This cut across the expansive discharge side and the deck roller mechanism.
Concerning the discharge side, there is increased expulsion of grass from the mower deck, given the larger surface area of the chute the deck is equipped with. Yes, this means better quality cuts are done at faster times.
Furthermore, Simplicity zero turn mowers have their backs furnished with a roller. Well, the truth is, having tasted the free-floating deck from riding tractors, this deck roller design on Simplicity zero turn mowers doesn’t thrill me anymore.
Yes, the free-floating decks in Simplicity’s riding mowers are a beauty – and there is no grain of exaggeration in that. I have widely asked around. We are yet to find a brand with the mowing experience this Simplicity deck technology offers, especially as it lay stripes when chopping the grass.
I will briefly tell you how this works.
The free-floating deck design features a front deck (that appears to be hanging), with the back propped by a roller. Effectively, the roller enjoys peak pressure levels, enhancing the striping experience.
Popular Simplicity Zero Turn Mowers For the Beginners
In this section, I will identify three Simplicity zero turn mowers, which in my opinion (and after extensively researching other buyers), give you the best bang for your buck.
Simplicity Courier
Yes, I am in love with the Courier, and I have good reasons to. First, it is one of the cheapest zero-turn mowers you can get from Simplicity. But my affection for the Courier stretches farther than its affordability.
The Courier offers a comprehensive array of capabilities that make it attractive. Before I delve into them, it is worth noting that the Simplicity Courier comes in three variants.
These models are the SCS suspension Courier, Compact, and the SCS suspension plus cargo bed model. The SCS suspension plus cargo bed model is more sophisticated, featuring a cargo bed (sitting on the engine) and a front and rear suspension.
The cargo bed can be a gamechanger when it comes to carrying heavy loads. Also, for those who like their mowers really quiet, the cargo bed can serve as an additional buffer, saving your precious ears from the roaring of the engine.
The SCS Suspension Courier is fitted with a front suspension, improving comfort. The compact is the cheapest – and yes, the least in size. It is fitting when you have smaller lawns to work on.
The Courier presents far-reaching engine options, ranging from Kawasaki FR engines to Briggs & Stratton Professional Series. It leverages a Hydro-Gear EZT Transmission system.
The deck sizes come in a spectrum of 36-52 inches, with a stamp and fabricated design. Simplicity couriers generally ride at a reverse speed of 3mph and a forward of 6mph. Portability isn’t a problem here as the tank comes at a comfy 3-gallon capacity.
If you ask me what I don’t like about the Courier, I will point out the anti-scalp wheels. Simplicity could definitely do better.
Nevertheless, this is the residential mower for the small yards, especially when you don’t have an oversized budget. These mowers cost around $2,600-$5,000. You can Visit This Store to get more information.
Simplicity Cobalt
This is a stand-out commercial mower from Simplicity. The ride is stress-free, courtesy of the autonomous front suspension system.
The Cobalt packs enough power for rough jobs, boasting a 28hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Series engine. The mower uses the Hydro-Gear ZT4400 transmission system. The speed is not any less impressive, coming at a reverse of 5mph and a forward speed of 10mph.
Cobalt is one of the extremely few mowers that flaunt the famed Vanguard’s Oil Guard system. Talk about cutting width, and the Cobalt marvels you with a 61-inch fabricated mowing deck.
Big mowing jobs require minimal interruptions for refueling. Therefore, it is relieving that the Simplicity Cobalt is armed with an 11-gallon fuel tank that can ride you long when full.
While I like the heavy build of the Cobalt, I found it curious that Simplicity decided to omit the cargo bed from this model. Indeed, a 2008 Simplicity Cobalt could go for as low as $3,900, but a modern 2020 Simplicity Cobalt goes for around $10,000. You can Visit This Website to get dealer information locally.
Simplicity Citation
I find it exciting that the first full-sized commercial mower Simplicity threw at the market happens to be the Citation XT. This doesn’t cancel out the applicability of the Citation for homeowners – particularly those with big lawns.
Not your typical “beast” mower, but with a 27 hp Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series Engine, you would not lack much power with the Citation XT.
Indeed, the Citation gave us the first glimpse of Simplicity’s fully autonomous front suspension mechanism. The suspension was significantly enhanced with upgraded transaxles entering the fray. Unlike Cobalt, the Citation is fitted with Hydro-Gear ZT3400 transmission.
The fuel capacity is moderate. Simplicity girds the Citation with a 5.5-gallon tank. The speed is the same as the Cobalt: 5mph in reverse and 10mph in forward motion.
The price? You can expect to spend anywhere from $7,000-9,000 if you desire to buy the Simplicity Citation. Of course, the variation is determined by core features like the deck size and the engine type. You can Visit This Website to get dealer information locally.
Popular Simplicity Riding Mowers For the Beginners
There is a lot to admire about Simplicity riding mowers. From the engine makeup to deck strength and speed, these riding mowers don’t disappoint. In this section, I will identify my top 3 Simplicity riding mowers.
Simplicity Regent
Just like the Courier, Regent is Simplicity’s entry-level model in the riding mower category. Yes, coming at a modest $2,500 – $3,300, it befits smaller lawns.
But don’t mistake its modesty in price for mediocrity. The Regent promises a smooth cutting experience with minimal exhaustion to the driver.
All this is not unconnected to its powerful Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine, with the options of 23 hp and 25 hp. The Regent features a lasting Tuff-Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission.
The Regent’s free-floating deck design is sure to be the hallmark of the show. The Regent allows you to pick between fabricated and stamp deck options. Surely, you are getting a scalp-free cutting experience.
The mowing deck comes in four sizes. These are 48 in, 44 in, 42 in, and 38 in. The advanced 48-inch and 42-inch models are equipped with rear suspension systems. Furthermore, the Regent is fitted with a 12-Gauge frame steel and cast aluminum spindles.
If there is anything I don’t like about the Simplicity Regent, it would be the fuel efficiency. Also, several users I have spoken with complained that the brackets are not strong enough.
Regardless, I wouldn’t have any issue recommending the Simplicity Regent to that homeowner with a small lawn with just grass to cut. Anything tougher than this, you should get a superior Simplicity riding mower. You can Visit This Store to get more information.
Simplicity Conquest
Are you considering an upgrade on the Regent without venturing outside the Simplicity product line? Feel free to consider the Conquest.
The mowing width, toughness, and adaptability of the Conquest beat the Regent. For such a leap in quality, the Conquest goes for between $3,500-$6500.
No one would prosecute you for being enthused with Conquest’s mowing decks. Come on, why wouldn’t you when the Conquest gives you 52-inch and 50-inch fabricated deck alternatives?
Comfort was well on Simplicity’s mind when designing the Conquest. The push-button start feature saves you the infamous migraine of hard-starting mowers, while the high back seat enhanced with armrest ensures mowing is less of hard work.
What more, the electric height-of-cut adjustment and full suspension system enhance the seamlessness of your mowing experience. As customary of Simplicity’s riding mowers, the Conquest is rendered with its trademarked free-floating deck.
This adaptability of the Conquest is another plus, as it works efficiently in almost any terrain, thanks to the differential lock capability. The Conquest is outfitted with a Tuff-Torq K66 high-speed transmission and a 25hp Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series engine.
Stepping out of the positives, I struggled to tell the actual time of the day when using the Conquest. This mishap can be attributed to the design of the clock on the electric dash. Other users I have come across have complained about how easily their front axle broke. You can Visit This Store to get more information.
Simplicity Broadmoor
Tell you what, the whole article would lose its legitimacy if I didn’t pick the Broadmoor. From my experience, the major distinguishing features (mechanically) between the Regent and the Broadmoor are the latter’s transmission and mowing deck sizes.
Diving deeper, the Broadmoor offers mowing decks in the 52-inch and 50-inch options. Additionally, unlike the Regent, Broadmoor is provided with Tuff-Torq transmission (precisely the K62 high-speed variant).
Aside from the mechanical differences, Broadmoor offers more user-friendliness or comfort than Regent. The former comes readied with the Push Start capability, armrest, and power steering.
For the upgrade, Broadmoor costs around $3,809 – $5,800, based on the mowing deck size you are buying. Just like the Regent, Broadmoor presents the Briggs & Stratton Professional Series Engine in 23 hp and 25 hp options.
On the negatives, I would say Simplicity has a lot to do in improving Broadmoor’s versatility. Also, there appears to be a limited range of accessories that the Broadmoor is compatible with. You can Visit This Store to get more information.
